NFL Camp Competition (07/28/14)

By John Ewing

With NFL training camps underway we check in on a few key position battles around the league including NFL rookies. (2014 projections for rookies are based on this analysis which projects rookie seasons for all NFL prospects as if they were starters on average NFL teams).

In the lead up to the release of our 2014 NFL Preview, we look at some of the most prominent clashes occurring in NFL training camps.

The 2014 NFL Preview will be available on August 6th.

Cleveland Browns – Quarterback Competition

Incumbent: Brian Hoyer2013 Stats – 615 yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs

Tom Brady's former backup enters camp as the favorite to win the starting job. Hoyer led the Browns to their first two wins last season before suffering a season ending knee injury.

Early reports out of camp have the sixth year pro clearly ahead of rookie sensation Johnny Manziel. However, drills and live action are not the same. Can Hoyer's surgically repaired knee hold up to a pass rush?

The former Heisman Trophy winner already has the top-selling jersey in the league. When Cleveland drafted Manziel with the 22nd overall pick the team sold 1,500 season tickets in the following twelve hours. Will the hype translate to wins?

Manziel's projected passing statistics would qualify him as an average starter in the league. That does not take into consideration his ability to scramble. In our simulations, Manziel rushes for 666 yards and 6.8 touchdowns, both would have been the best among quarterbacks last season.

If the Browns get off to a slow start expect “Johnny Football” chants.